Nzoia Sugar have flapped the chance to draw closer to Football Kenya Federation Premier League leaders Gor Mahia after playing FC Talanta to a barren draw at Kasarani Annex. Nzoia needed a win to not only, return to winning ways but also, keep close tabs on Gor who beat Kenya Police 2-1 to open a four-point gap at the summit. ##NAJAVA_MECA_7049916##Although the point garnered took the sugarmen to the second slot on the log pending the outcome of the game pitting KCB against AFC Leopards on Sunday, it was not enough, to move them closer to Gor. Heading to the game, Nzoia were hoping to regain their winning mojo having played Posta Rangers to a 1-1 draw at Sudi Stadium while Talanta were keen on building on last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Kenya Police.Talanta goalkeeper James Omusinde was the hero of the first half as the custodian pulled three superb saves from close range to bar Nzoia from doing damage early in the game. Omusinde who has been starting in the absence of Kevin Olang’o who was unfortunate to be involved in a road accident gathered a hard-drilled shot by Yasin Sije in the 29th minute. #FKFPL Full TimeGor Mahia 2 – 1 Police Fc Bandari Fc 2 – 0 Bidco United Kakamega Homeboyz 1 – 0 Vihiga Mathare United 1- 0 Wazito Talanta 0 – 0 Nzoia Sugar#Offside #Sirkal pic.twitter.com/kKZ5GbHalD— Ghetto Radio (@GhettoRadio895) February 25, 2023 Sije, had pounced on a loose ball in the box but his effort, ended in the waiting arms of the goalkeeper who had positioned himself well to deal with the threat. Omusinde would deny the former Mayenje Santos danger man again in the 34th minute, putting his palms on the line to deflect the ball off the target. The shot-stopper was called into action late in the half, making a fingertip save to prevent a lobbed effort by Joseph Mwangi from sailing to the top corner. Talanta who were off colour and spent the better part of the half trying to contain the pressure had a clear chance in the 26th minute but Dennis Oalo who had been teed up by Alex Luganji fired off the target with the goalkeeper to beat. Nzoia were expected to pick from where they left off in the first half when the two teams resumed for the final half but, it was Talanta who came back stronger and showed the hunger to win the game. The introduction of December Kisaka and the attack-minded Barrack Odhiambo appeared to give Talanta the much-needed punch upfront as they kept the Nzoia backline busy. Although Nzoia had some moments, they were not good enough to breach the Talanta backline that defended resolutely to earn a point. FC Talanta James Omusinde, Shela Mandela, Luis Masika, Castro Ogendo( Ian Omondi 68),Vincent Otieno, Gershon Likono (December Kisaka 46), Danson Kago, Dennis Oalo, Alex Luganji, Herman Ngala (Barrack Odhiambo 46), George Onyango Unused substitutes Jairus Adira, Erick Lusala, Charles OtienoNzoia SugarHumphrey Katasi, Vincent Mahiga, Ian Karani, Randy Bakari, Kelvin Maliachi, Boniface Munyendo, Kevin Juma, Stephen Otieno (Elisha Wekesa 72), Hassan Beja, Joseph Mwangi, Yasin Sije, Unused substitutes Benson Mangala, Emmanuel Esekon, Timothy Wanyanga, Harun Thomas, Leonard Kasambeli, Alfred Emoni, Ian Simiyu
